The Mana beasts ahead of the clans and my party were not a threat in the least but it also was a good chance to see how efficiently we could work together with Graced Clans, now that I was playing leader.

We closed in on the mana beasts ahead following up after charged arrows of energy that had been released by Clan Aerith's Lyra and her members. The arrows pierced the mana beasts with a powerful blast as the remnants of lightning sparked out from the corpses.

However, the mana beasts were in no shortage of numbers but just like the opening attack from Clan Aerith, I had a plan that would end this as fast as it began. "Reiner, Astrid, Xander were flanking behind, let them charge at the beastmen,” I said to my group before we made a quick dash toward the sides of the beasts that charged forward with grunts of anger.

"Hey! You didn’t tell them that was what you were planning," Astrid snapped in response but still trailed alongside us.

However, I didn’t give a response simply because my intent was clear, our plan was simple. "Astrid, do I really need to tell Graced Clans what to do. The beastmen wanted a hunt, they can hunt the ones that manage to run from us.” I said just as Reiner growled.

“Heh. What Kazu is really saying is, they will be a good distraction. That is all Clans are good for anyway,” Reiner snarled while it seemed Clan Kemonozu and Aerith noticed we had veered of our path and gripped their weapons at the incoming threat.

I could tell from Clan Kemonozu and Aerith’s expressions that they were both confused and angry that I had my own plan I didn’t inform them of, but they had no choice but take on the role they agreed to.

My members and I reached the rear of the mana beasts where I glanced toward Reiner and allowed him to take the lead, he shot forward in a flash as his black flames ignited with his form and caused the mana beasts ahead of him to burn as his fists tore into their flesh.

“Xander, stay near me. Astrid push with Reiner just don’t get in his way and we’ll cut through them before they can even reach the clans.” I said pulling out the sword I carried in Dungeon Raids. Regardless Xander gave his agreement while the scoff from Astrid was heard but it was to late as I followed Reiner in combat with Xander trailing behind me.

Astrid pushed into the swarm of beasts that came her way and didn't hesitate to begin cutting them down with precise and powerful strikes before she eventually joined Reiner, who tore through these creatures like it was nothing.

I of course took to the back and used Xander and his large sword and basic skills to help clear the swarm. It was quite clear he wasn’t as skilled as the two of them, but he was enough to keep up with the others and provide support and with me there, he was even better.

The swarm of mana beasts were quickly cut down by us, Xander was free to unleash his attacks without restraint and when he was attacked from his blind spots, I was there to protect him from the mana beasts with ease.

Clan Aerith’s arrows rained down and did their best to not hit us even if Lilith had that covered by deflecting any of the arrows that came our way.

The easiest way to go about the battle was for us to flank the mana beasts simply because within the horde I could unleash an array of skills that I wouldn’t normally show off. Regardless, I watched our every move while I directed Xander’s movements to my liking, in a way it was beginning to look like the Mana Beasts were running from my party.

"Swing right, now duck, follow up with a slash upward," I ordered and with each command he followed without a second thought. Any time Xander couldn’t execute a move perfectly, I seamlessly corrected it with both what my Esoteric Restrictions analyzed and Zenki Ryu infused into my movements.

Reiner was doing fine without my full attention on him simply because he could be considered the most capable member of my group and Astrid was a perfect addition to the group. I was a bit surprised Reiner despite his focus he made sure she was protected from anything that came her way. I could tell he was doing that out of habit after I had done it many times for him.

However, it was quite obvious Lilith wasn’t deflecting all of the arrows as the occasional one would have to be dodged by Astrid, it wasn’t till one dangerously grazed her arm that Reiner pulled Astrid closer to him. "Oi. Watch where you’re going,” he growled only for her to rip her arm away from him in response.

“… don’t touch me! I don’t need your help," she snapped with a glare at Reiner.

"Tch. You’re the one that got hit, now shut up and stay near me or else next time you might actually get hit and slow us down," He remarked with an irritated growl as his black flames flared outwards causing the mana beasts around him to be incinerated by his flames.

Astrid shot a glare at Reiner as if he annoyed her to no end, but their momentary argument ended abruptly as they both knew they didn’t have the time for it. Although Astrid did stay near him as they continued to push forward.

I was somewhat unimpressed by Lilith’s negligence to do what I had ordered but her scolding could wait we were nearly finished up. As for Clan Naria they had yet to show any sign of getting involved.

Regardless, the horde of mana beasts began to thin as we cut them down one by one, and I misjudged that we wouldn’t get all of them as the few remaining mana beasts charged toward Clan Kemonozu who welcomed it with Eto laughing at the threat of the creatures before he gave a roar and fended them off with his members.

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With the battle wrapping up with a fair effort from two of the Clans, and my strategy with my members I found myself satisfied with how it all went down. In other words my plan to show the Clans the benefits of having my party accompanying them was practically over with.

I wasn’t the only one appreciating such a simple task. “Well, wasn’t that something…” Grayson commented while he clapped his hands sarcastically. At this point I expected he would say something even if it was just to hear the sound of his own voice.

I did give him my attention with the usual flat expression on my face, although Reiner clenched his fists ready to unleash his anger, but I didn't need him to do anything.

Grayson continued with a laugh, "Looks like you all might have been useful after all… makes me wonder-“ he began before he was cut short by Lyra who walked over toward us with Eto and their Clan members following behind them.

"Are you serious?! We could have been a lot quicker if your clan helped. And now you’re trying to start trouble again, what would your Monarch think if he found out," she said to him with a glare, which only caused him to sneer at her.

"This cursed trash would already be dead, Knife ears. Mind your tongue. Your Clan is below mine.” He spat in return causing Lyra to lowly growl at his insult.

It was quite obvious Lyra wanted to say something but stopped herself before Grayson returned his attention back to me. "As I was saying,” he said as he walked toward us. “It makes me wonder how any benefactor pulled that off. Are one of you hiding your rank? I’m sure everyone is aware that is punishable by death. So cursed trash is it you? or this hound you’ve trained well” he said with a sneer as he stopped in front of me.

He had his superiority act on full display and of course it was rather pathetic, but it seemed he wasn’t letting go of his grudge anytime soon. However, he had another thing coming if he expected me to indulge him.

"I’m glad you were paying attention but anyone with half a brain could have done this,” I said with my usual flat tone of voice as I met his gaze.

Grayson glared back ready to continue his snide comments, but Lyra stepped in to stop the pointless conflict. “This is not the time or place for this, Grayson. We’re not even to the tenth floor, we need the help of the guild benefactors-“ she began before Grayson cut her off with an impatient snarl.

“Shut up! You’re supposed to be listening to me. My clan is leading this expedition, not this cursed trash!" He barked back and caused a momentary silence between the two.

“Ahh, that’s what it is…” I mused with humor that welled in the back of my throat. "You can have your position back. Everyone here now knows we are the most efficient. To think losing a title would cause you to lose your mind, what a fool," I said with a sense of disappointment and amusement at his childish actions.

My comment didn't sit well with him, but I had already turned away, “we’ll be waiting for you Clans by the next floors corridor. Don’t make us wait long," I said in return to which Grayson and his members could do little more than snarl in response.

Their outburst had attracted the attention of the other Clans who now stared at them. They probably all thought the same thing that he was being childish.

Regardless I left them to themselves as my party followed behind me away from the Clans.

“Oi. Why did you give away our spot. now we’ll have to listen to that irritating punk now," Reiner snarled as we walked a good distance away from the clans and he couldn't help but glare back at Clan Naria.

“It was the quickest way to move on. It doesn’t matter anymore the other two clans are aware that we have the skills needed for this expedition, that's all that matters, I suspect they’ll be listening to us more often now," I said simply as it was a fact that didn't need to be repeated.

“Tch, alright I got it…” Reiner remarked and somehow managed to irritate himself, as if he should have known better.

It wasn’t moments after we reached the corridor to the next floor while the clans took their time. Regardless we had a chance to take a rest after the battle that had just transpired.

“Seriously? You can see it healing!?” Xander exclaimed with wide eyes as he watched Astrid healing an injury caused by Lilith’s negligence. I merely glanced at Lilith, who of course couldn't be bothered to talk about the matter as she stuffed herself in my shadow.

Regardless, Astrid glared at Xander. "Get away from me! You creep,” she yelled which caused him to flinch backwards ending his momentary gawking.

Astrid didn't look to be in the mood to answer questions but even I was curious. “How can you heal without any Magical Energy,” I said with only my gaze on her.

"Magical energy…? I don’t even know what you’re talking about, Xiao. Why don’t you just mind your own business," she scoffed as she looked away and I should have expected nothing less.

Although, it was enough to confirm her Core didn’t consist of Magical Energy, otherwise she would be aware of it. I wondered just why her core exuded such a strange power and yet it had the capabilities Magical energy would have. Even if that power felt off, like that power was somehow fake.

Whatever it was, the answers would have to wait, and I certainly didn’t forget to scold Lilith for her behaviour.

"Lilith, unless you care to share your thoughts, your purpose is to protect us. Don't be careless again," I said. Well aware she wasn’t going to tell me the reasoning behind her recent antics. Still, I only got a small pout in return.

“Yes…” she mumbled to me quietly as she sulked. Regardless, I turned my attention back to the moment of relaxation while the others did what they pleased.

My members and I waited for the Clans who took a few minutes to collect beast cores and have a moment to themselves before heading down the next staircase.

It wasn’t long before everyone was ready to carry on through the Labyrinth, of course Grayson was pleased to be back in his position of leader. He didn't hide his satisfied smile as he approached us with the Clans in tow.

However, he didn’t understand that I was still capable of controlling the battles ahead by a mere thought. Not to mention Clan Kemonozu and Aerith were practically our allies or something close to it, by simply proving we were far more effective than them.

My amber gaze glanced at the clans arriving at the corridor to the next floor. It was quite clear by Clan Kemonozu and Aerith’s returned glances toward us reassured my deduction. In short, they would be listening and watching for my commands and that’s all that mattered in the end.

"We should get moving, we still have a few floors till we reach the tenth," Lyra said before she paused and looked my way, “I take it there’s mana beasts on the next floors?” She added as once again my Amber gaze glanced toward them in response.

"That’s right.” I replied in my usual demeanour causing her to nod while Grayson scoffed as he began to lead the way down the stairwell.

My party and I followed after them free of the complaints and their luggage, but that was proof they knew that we were needed.

Regardless of what they thought and the small victories achieved, we still continued to the eighth floor of the Labyrinth.